Good advice on the posts above, I find safe to commute by going through neighborhoods instead of the main busy roads. So maybe you can come out with an alternated route for your commute, wear bright color clothing, buy a set of lights for your bicycle and a helmet. To ride on pavement fully rigid bicycles are probably best, with tires that aren't too wide, nor too knobby.

If you see the opportunity to learn how to drive take it too, it might open up more jobs opportunities for you, even if you are not planning to drive to work.

Good luck to you.